I see! So you're a civvy spacer. [From some Tradeliners, this might have been a critical description, but Arilanna manages to make it sound almost affectionate.] Still, being in command isn't nothing. I was born on Cardalek. That's a Company-owned colony, but don't worry if you don't know it. Nobody else does - but I'd never heard of Earth before I got here, either, so that evens it out.

[She's not entirely sure how to deal with his next revelation, and there's a flicker of uncertainty in her eyes.] I know a lot of captains would like to think they control the stars, but - you're being literal, aren't you? It's part of this temporal bubble or simulation or whatever we're going to call this.

[She sighs, softly.] I'm used to being on duty twelve hours in twenty-four. I already don't know what to do with myself here. If this is futile, then...[she trails off. It's just one more difficulty.]

Commander? Can I ask you something difficult? [The worst he can do is say no, right?]